Class XVII of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership program is about to embark on a two-year journey of seminars, designed to prepare and connect leaders dedicated to making a lasting impact on Kansas’s agriculture and rural communities. I’m honored to be an associate in Class XVII! This week, I am gearing up for our first seminar with a focus on leadership skills in Manhattan and Junction City.
KARL identifies, prepares, and connects emerging leaders through a hands-on, two-year program that offers more than just education—it opens up a lifetime of opportunities to make a real difference. For over 30 years, KARL has been inspiring change makers to think outside the box, connecting them with the people and resources they need to transform organizations, communities, the state of Kansas, and beyond.
As KARL Associates, participants dive deep into the key issues and opportunities facing Kansas through multi-day seminars across the state. Associates also get the chance to travel to Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, PA, and go on an out-of-state visit. The experience doesn’t stop there—a two-week international study tour broadens Associate’s perspective even further. Class XVII will be traveling to Brazil in March of 2026. After completing the program, KARL Associates join the prestigious group of KARL Fellows, where they can continue networking, learning, and mentoring - keeping their connection to KARL alive for a lifetime.
Selection Process
To apply for KARL, you need to show a strong commitment to Kansas agriculture and rural communities and be eager to understand how these areas connect to broader local, national, and international issues. It’s also important to have a solid record of leadership, whether that’s through organizations or community work. Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen and have lived in Kansas for at least a year. If you’re employed, you’ll need to get approval from your boss; if you run your own business, you’ll need to prove that taking time off won’t hurt your operations. KARL is a very valuable program that will serve you for your entire lifetime, however, it is a big time commitment!
Applications open every January in even-numbered years and are typically due by mid-April. The application asks for some basic info and to write a few essays explaining why you’d be a great fit for the program. After that, a committee reviews all the applications and selects top candidates for interviews. You’ll need to be available for a regional interview during the first full week of May, where you’ll chat with the Board for about 30 minutes about your interest in the program. By the end of May, the Board makes the final decision on who’s in the next class.
Each class has up to 30 people and includes a diverse group from across Kansas, with no more than one family member per class. Although not necessary to be admitted into the program, KARL has many legacies. It is common that both a husband and wife will complete KARL. Additionally, the next generation of KARL Associates has included children of KARL Fellows. My Aunt and Uncle are KARL Fellows and have been an integral part of my desire to be an Associate!
Once you’re accepted as an Associate, you’ll be expected to fully participate in all sessions of the two-year program. Seminars are held in three-day blocks, from noon Wednesday to noon Friday, between November and February. Plus, there are national and international study tours, lasting one week and 12-14 days respectively, both scheduled for March.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to commit to a two year program, this could be an amazing opportunity for you!
Structure of the Program
As stated above, each class participates in 9 seminars across Kansas, 1 out of state seminar, 1 seminar/tour of Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and 1 seminar/tour internationally. The past few classes have taken their international tours to Cuba, Chile, Vietnam, India, West Africa, Australia - and they have all been amazing!
Here is a sneak peak of our schedule and the focus areas of each seminar to give you a better idea of this program:
Year 1:
Genesis - Junction City, Kansas
Focus on class dynamic, leadership skills, ethics in leadership
Economic Development - Garden City, Kansas
Macroeconomics, community management, value-added agricultural products
Personal Development - Goodland, Kansas
Personal brand building, speaking skills, wiring skills, media workshops
State of the State - Topeka, Kansas
Kansas Legislature, regulation of agriculture, media influence in policy
Conflict Management - Leavenworth, Kansas
International cyber security, state prison systems, juvenile intervention
National Service - Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
U.S. Congressional Delegation, Federal Agencies, Gettysburg Leadership Experience
Year 2:
Genesis 2.0 - Council Grove, Kansas
Reconnecting with Class XVII
Domestic Study Tour to Marysville, KS, Lincoln, NE, and KC Federal Reserve
Corporate management, leadership
Navigating Change - Pittsburg, Kansas
Impact of mining, investment, downtown development
Global Leadership - Wichita, Kansas
Aviation's impact, Cargill tour, education, and leadership
Energy, water, and natural resources - Hays, Kansas
Energy production, water issues, natural resources protection
International Study - Brazil
Trade relationships, comparative agriculture, domestic and foreign policy
As you can see, the program is extremely developed and boasts a well-rounded curriculum. Even the most highly educated person would still have a lot to learn and gain from this program. However, what’s even more valuable than the information provided in the program itself, is its reputation across Kansas and the network you build through the process.
Benefits of Becoming a KARL Associate
The KARL program isn’t just a two-year experience; it’s a lifelong investment in your future and in Kansas. Beyond the well-rounded curriculum, the real value lies in the reputation KARL has built across the state and the extensive network you become a part of. Even before I was eligible to apply, I knew about KARL. It’s a name that carries weight—when someone mentions they’re a KARL Fellow, you instantly know they’re someone worth paying attention to.
Since its inception, KARL has been a driving force behind positive change in Kansas. Fellows have gone on to hold political office, lead in their communities, and enhance their careers in countless ways. With over 500 alumni, the network you join is both vast and supportive, offering connections and opportunities that extend far beyond the program’s end. As one Fellow, JR Robl from Class XV, put it: “The reason I wanted to be part of KARL was beyond the networking, history, and knowledge. Most leadership programs offer that. KARL sets itself apart with its fortitude and compassion...there are plenty of heroes amongst the group to chase.”
But it doesn’t stop there—KARL is for life. Graduates continue to benefit from resources like the Speaker Series, KARL Cafe, and various social and networking events, keeping the connections and learning alive. If you’re even slightly curious about what KARL could do for you, I highly recommend attending a KARL event or exploring the program further on their website.
And if you—or someone you know—might be interested, reach out to me! I’d love to chat about how KARL can be a game-changer for both your personal and professional life.
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